Clarifying Information - WAC 388-422-0010

Cooperation

Using the DSHS 18-334 , Your Options for Child Support Collection while receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) , explain to the parent/caregiver that: They have assigned the support rights for each child applying for or getting TANF / SFA by signing the application. Unless a Social Service Specialist (SSS) determines that good cause for noncooperation exists, they must cooperate with DCS. DCS provides full support enforcement services which may include enforcement of the noncustodial parent's (NCP) obligation to provide health insurance and contribute his/her share of uninsured medical expenses for the child(ren). DCS also enforces existing orders for spousal maintenance owed to the parent/caregiver.

At the interview, have the parent or caregiver relative complete a DSHS 18-334 , Your Options for Child Support Collection while receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) on each Non-Custodial parent (NCP) of each child in the TANF/SFA assistance unit, indicating whether or not cooperating with DCS may be dangerous for the applicant or the child. During the interview, code each NCP page and document for each NCP whether the custodial parent (CP) or caregiver states that it is safe for DCS to collect or asks that we determine good cause for noncooperation. For phone interviews, give the parent or caregiver the following options to access the DSHS 18-334: Receive a copy of the 18-334 by mail. If the applicant picks this option, mail a General Correspondence Letter (0050-01) with the 18-334(s) and request the parent/caregiver complete, sign and return the 18-334(s), or Availability to access the 18-334 form online. If the applicant picks this option, explain how to access the 18-334 and options for returning it. Don’t pend the TANF application for the 18-334(s).

Both parents in a two-parent household must help DCS establish paternity for each child in the assistance unit.

For unmarried, two-parent TANF applicants where the father isn't named on the child's birth certificate, give the mother and alleged father the pamphlet titled, "Establishing Parentage for Your Child's Sake... What Every Parent Should Know", DSHS 22-586(X). Encourage them to sign a notarized Acknowledgement of Parentage DOH 422-159 in the CSO. If the parents choose not to sign the Paternity Acknowledgement, explain to them that the father will be referred to DCS for paternity establishment and both are required to cooperate with DCS unless good cause exists.

There is no requirement for the parent/caregiver to cooperate with DCS when they claimed good cause verbally or in writing and the department's decision is pending. For more information on how to process a case when a custodial parent requests good cause after a non-cooperation sanction has been entered, see worker responsibilities 9.

Whenever possible, the SSS interviews the parent/caregiver on the same day the Good Cause claim is received.

If a parent/caretaker claims good cause at a phone interview but is unable to meet with the SSS the same day, immediately refer the good cause claim to the SSS without waiting for the returned 18-334(s). The SSS schedules an interview with at least 10-day notice, but no later than 20 days from the good cause claim. For more information, see the good cause section below and the Social Services Manual - Good Cause .

DCS determines when a parent/caregiver isn’t cooperating with DCS as required and notifies the CSO what the parent/caregiver must do to be considered “cooperating with DCS”. When DCS sends a notice letting us know the parent/caregiver is in non-cooperation, and no good cause is claimed, place the family in 25% non-cooperation sanction. See the ACES User manual - Division of Child Support (DCS) Sanction.

DCS also determines when a parent/care giver resumes cooperation and notifies the CSO. Lift imposed 25% non-cooperation sanctions effective the date that DCS declares is the date the parent/caregiver began cooperating, this may result in an underpayment or a "BEG".